Eulogy - Debi Dawson

I have had the privilege for the past 22 years to call Jerry my father in law.  I never realized when I got married that he would come to mean so much more to me.  I was lucky to have had a great relationship with him and to love him like my own father.

Jerry not only welcomed me into his family, he also welcomed my parents and through the years they had a lot of fun times together.

When I think of Jerry, I think of his character, strong, caring, honest, fair and he loved his family. When I look at Paul, Cindy, Sarah and Chad, I see those same values and that is the greatest gift your father and grandfather could give you.  He may not be here but he lives through each one of you every day.

Barb, I know you have lost your best friend and soul mate, cherish the memories you made together.  You are lucky to have over half a century of them.  We will all be there for you to remember the good times and honour Jerry's memory.

Jerry, I will miss your quick wit and off the cuff remarks.  I will also miss our road trips to Florida.  You in the passenger seat, with the heated seat on for the entire trip.  I would set the GPS and he would say "what are you setting that for?  I know the way."  So the only form of navigation I would get would be every once and a while, out of the corner of my eye, I would catch him turning his head towards me and then his finger would come up, pointing to the exit I needed to take.  Sometimes the finger was a little late, but we always got there in the end.

Jerry never wanted to stop and eat on these trips, but he had two females in the car and was always overruled.  He would grumble about stopping, especially if it was a Cracker Barrel, but once he got inside, he would scope somebody out, a waitress or the couple at the next table and strike up a conversation.

On one such road trip, he met a Rodeo Rider.  I think if we had enough room in the car, that guy would have been coming home with us!

Jerry has left me with so many wonderful memories to cherish and reflect on.  

I know that he is watching over us right now with a big smile on his face, knowing that his grandchildren went to work on Monday.

I couldn't have wished for a better father in law.  I will miss him each and every day.

Eulogy - Paul Dawson

My dad was a great guy, he taught me to work hard and respect others.  With my father, I wanted for nothing.  Dad was always there for me.  Showing me by his living example what it was like to be a father and a husband. That it was possible for a man to show tenderness, to be unafraid to show affection and to be a loving husband.

It is impossible to speak of my dad without also speaking of my mom, because they were one.

Together they showed us what true love was like and taught me what a marriage should be.

Dad loved us more than he loved himself.  when it became too hard for him to live on, the pain that was the greatest for him was never his own, but rather the pain he saw in us.

Jer boy, there wont be a day that goes by that I won't think of you.  You were a great dad and my best friend.

Love your son Paul

Eulogy - Cindy Dawson

I think dad would be greatly surprised and honoured by the number of people who are here today showing support to his wife and family on his celebration of life.

What do you say about a man who meant the world to you?  I have so many memories and there isn't enough time to tell them all.

My father was my friend, my confidant and my overall "go to guy"  I will miss him every moment of everyday but I will be sure to take him with me wherever I go or whatever I do.

I used to visit mom and dad and I would always lean down and whisper in his ear "dad, you are my favourite" He would always have that twinkle in his eyes and that cute smirk!

I guess my mom gets a chance to be my favourite now.  I will love you forever.  

Now I would like to read a poem that sums up things nicely.  It's called "Memories of the Heart"

Feel no guilt in laughter
He knows how much you care
Feel no sorrow in a smile
That he's not hear to share
You cannot grieve forever
He would not want you too
He'd hope that you would carry on
The way you always do
So talk about the good times
And the ways you showed you cared
The days you spent together
All the happiness you shared
Let the memories surround you
A word someone may say
Will suddenly recapture, a time an hour, a day
That brings him back as clearly
As though he were still here
And fills you with the feelings
That he is always near
For if you keep those memories
You will never be apart
And he will live forever
Locked safe within your heart

Barbara
Have just heard of Jerry's passing through Harold and wish to extend to you and your family our deepest sympathy in your loss.  Losing both sister and husband so close together is very difficult.

Dear Barb, Cindy and Paul,
Mom called to tell me of Jerry's passing.  Over the phone,  she and I shared our memories of Jerry and all of you as our neighbours on Hopewell.  Jerry was so kind and helpful to Mom after my dad died.  That kind of neighbourliness is hard to come by.  My deepest sympathies to you all.

It was with great sadness, Barb, Paul, and Cindy, that I learned of your husband/father's passing. Some of my best childhood memories are playing in your yard and all of us "ruling" the park. It brought a little smile to think back to those special years and special friendships.  I wish for you all a steady stream of your fondest memories of him to replace this very difficult moment.  My thoughts are with you as you venture on without him.

To the Dawson Family....Very sorry to hear about your loss. Even though its been more than 35 years, as a little boy I will always remember not being able to do anything bad because Mr.Dawson(The Policeman)lived next door. With sincere sympathy at this difficult time

Barb, Cindy and Paul....I am sadden to hear of the passing of such a great man.....although when you are a little kid he was a very big man in is uniform...but always smiled at the kids in the neighborhood. I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time....

It has been a while since I and my wife worked with Jerry at Waterloo Regional Police force, this is a man I will remember as he was a good man to work for.    


Jim and Lynda Scott  St. Petersburg Fl .  Couldn't take the cold.

Barb and family, I was so sad to learn of Jerry's passing today. I hadn't looked at the paper this week so I didn't know. I just saw him out and about on his scooter a couple of weeks ago before we left on holidays. Rod and I send you our heartfelt sympathy and our prayers are with you and your family at this time. Your neighbours, Shelley & Rod Joiner

Barb, Cindy, Paul - I am so sorry to hear of Jerry's passing - I am thinking of you all at this most difficult time - my thoughts and prayers are with you - with deepest sympathy

I was saddened to hear the loss the Dawson family just suffered. Jerry was a great father and raised his kids well. He treated me like a family member every time we visited, even though I was not blood related. My condolences go out to Cindy, Barb, and Paul. Always thinking about you.

Barb,Cindy and Paul,I was so sad to hear of Jerry's passing. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

Cindy and family, just wanted to let you know that I will remember you and your family and Father in my prayers .Sorry to hear of your Loss. Mrs. J. Struck

barb,cindy,paul and family,
our hearts were deeply saddened upon hearing of the loss of jerry.
My memories of the bunny jokes will live on forever and the happiness
he brought to our hearts.

Jerry was the best manager I ever worked with; a true leader in every sense of the word.  He always treated everyone with respect, he could be your boss when you needed him to be and your friend when you needed it most.  My thoughts are with his family.  Jerry will be fondly remembered by everyone who ever had the pleasure of knowing him.

Cindy , just wanted to let you know I was thinking of you and your family. I know how tough it is to have lost someone you love.  Remember always the good things and good times you had together that can never be replaced and will be in your heart forever.  Hugs and Kisses to all. xxx000 Brenda(Gilmour) Rumsby.

Dear Barb, Cindy and Paul,
I had the privilege of working for your husband and Dad when he was a S/Sgt.  He demonstrated qualities of care, compassion and empathy for others and left his mark in all of our lives.  I know you have wonderful memories of  "Jerry".  We will all miss him.  with deepest sympathy, Mike Mann

Thinking of you and your family, Cindy and wanted to send my deepest sympathy.  Sincerely, Debbie Schwantz

Barb and families. Our heartfelt condolences on the passing of your husband, father, papa and friend. Having worked for Jerry many years ago and crossing paths with your daughter Cindy and granddaughter Sarah many many times over the years, I can appreciate the sadness which you must feel. 
Our thoughts are with you
Doug & Mary Lynn Coghlin, Freelton

Gerry was a true gentleman and a class act.  He was "Dink" in stature only.  He had the heart of a giant. A great man to work for and to work with.  To Barb and the rest of Gerry's family, you have lost a good husband, father and grandfather.  We have all lost an exceptional friend.

Phil Neville

Jerry was a great guy to work for and cared about all of us.  I'm sorry to hear of his passing.  He made the world a better place.

Condolences to the Dawson Family.I had the pleasure of having Gerry as my Staff Sgt on two different platoons and he was always a gentleman,full of fun and treated his officers with dignity and respect.He will be missed greatly

Hi Barb and family so sorry to hear about Jerry you guys were great neigbours as well as good friends, we send our condolences and share your grief

        Ken and Marilyn Cober

Paul, Debi, Chad and family. We are very sad to hear of Jerry's passing. It was great seeing him and Barbara at the races, so awesome to see how involved he was in your lives. And how close you all remained despite the "busyness" of life. We offer our condolences, deepest sympathies and hugs at this difficult time.

Paul, Shelli, Wesley, and Zachary

OBITUARY

Gerald Jerry Kirby Dawson

August 2, 1935 – September 28, 2013

Coutts Funeral Home & Cremation Centre

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